Tech giant Google has issued a strong warning to governments and industry leaders worldwide, urging them to accelerate preparations for cybersecurity in the quantum computing era — a future in which powerful quantum machines could fundamentally undermine current digital encryption systems that protect everything from online banking to national security communications.
In a statement through its research and security teams, Google highlighted that advancements in quantum computing are rapidly progressing and could soon challenge the cryptographic foundations that secure today’s digital infrastructure. The company called for immediate action to adopt post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards and modernise critical security systems before quantum capabilities reach practical scale.
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Why Quantum Cybersecurity Matters Now
Quantum computers, unlike classical computers, use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform certain calculations vastly faster. This includes the potential to break widely used cryptographic algorithms — such as RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography — that currently secure internet traffic, financial systems, government communications and stored data. Once a sufficiently powerful quantum computer exists, encrypted data previously thought secure could be decrypted.
Even before such machines are fully realised, cybersecurity experts and organisations warn of “store now, decrypt later” threats, where adversaries collect encrypted data today in the expectation that quantum machines of the future will be able to break it. This places long-lived sensitive information — such as health records, government secrets, financial contracts and personal communications — at risk if action is delayed.
In its call to action, Google said it has been preparing for this transition for nearly a decade, aligning its own infrastructure and cryptographic practices with emerging standards and pushing for broad adoption of quantum-resistant security protocols.
What Google Is Recommending
Google’s advisory urges a collaborative and proactive approach involving governments, technology providers and critical infrastructure operators to:
- Accelerate adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC): Migrating existing encryption and authentication systems to PQC algorithms that can withstand quantum attacks.
- Develop coordinated roadmaps: Governments and industry should create structured implementation plans that prioritise the most sensitive systems and data.
- Invest in quantum-safe standards and tools: Align with international standards bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which finalised post-quantum cryptography standards in 2024.
- Enhance crypto-agility: Design systems capable of quickly swapping cryptographic algorithms as standards evolve and new threats emerge.
This concerted push, Google says, is essential to reduce systemic risk before quantum computers capable of breaking classical encryption become practical.
Global Context: Faster Quantum Progress Means Bigger Cyber Risks
Google’s warning echoes broader global trends as quantum computing continues to advance both in research and industrial deployment:
- Governments and research organisations are rapidly expanding quantum infrastructure and planning national strategies. A recent intelligence analysis found countries building industrial-scale quantum systems and national networks, indicating a shift from research labs to practical deployments.
- National cybersecurity agencies in countries such as the United States have urged organisations to prepare quantum-readiness roadmaps and begin migration to quantum-resistant cryptography now rather than waiting for the threat to materialise.
- Industry players and consultants warn that legacy cryptographic dependencies make transition planning complex but necessary to protect sensitive data that must remain secure for many years.
These developments underline that while fully universal quantum computers may still be several years away, the cybersecurity landscape is already shifting, and early preparation could mitigate future breaches.
Implications for Governments and Businesses
For nations, a failure to prepare could mean critical infrastructure — such as power grids, defence communication networks, and public services — remains vulnerable to future quantum-enabled threats. Businesses that handle sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or financial transactions also face increasing pressure to align with PQC standards to protect their long-term confidentiality and trust.
Google’s call also emphasises that international collaboration on standards, knowledge sharing and technology development will be crucial to a secure quantum future — because no single company or government can solve these challenges in isolation.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
